Dentist in Indianapolis, IN offers a dental appliance for treating obstructive sleep apnea

Patients who visit Washington Street Dentistry often believe we only offer the more obvious dental treatments. However, we are more than just a dental practice – we even provide services for patients who have sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea.

How a dentist can help with obstructive sleep apnea

Dr. Matthew Church of Indianapolis, IN is a dentist who provides a wide selection of treatment options including dental appliances used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that can negatively impact a patient’s day-to-day life. OSA occurs when a blockage develops in the airway as a patient sleeps. What this does is causes the patient to stop breathing and partially wake up. The cycle can occur hundreds of times each night, resulting in the patient’s inability to get the deep sleep they require to feel well-rested in the morning. In many situations, when the condition is diagnosed, patients are given a CPAP machine through their primary care physician for the treatment of the sleeping disorder. This is a special device that has a mask that is worn over the face to keep the airways open at night while patients sleep. However, it can be uncomfortable, and many patients stop using it because they are unhappy with how it feels. Thankfully, a dentist can provide oral appliance therapy.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

This sleeping disorder is a serious concern for patients who have been dealing with the condition. It can contribute to:

These conditions can impact one’s daily life and put them more at risk for accidents and injuries that can affect their overall health and wellness. When patients are concerned about how they feel each day and learn from their sleeping partners that they are having difficulty breathing at night, they are urged to visit their primary care physician for an evaluation to see if this condition is present. Early diagnosis and long-term treatment can address these symptoms and issues quickly and easily.

Oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP machines

Many patients love that they can use a special oral appliance that is worn at night instead of dealing with a cumbersome device such as the CPAP machine. Patients can come into Washington Street Dentistry with their diagnosis and obtain the appliance they can use at night without feeling uncomfortable. The device is custom-made for patients based on impressions taken of the smile to ensure proper fit and functionality. Patients find that this device is easier to clean and care for, as well as simpler to travel with. Our team of professionals work closely with patients to help them understand how to use their appliance and maintain it so that it will last for many years to come!

What are the benefits of a dental appliance for obstructive sleep apnea?

Oral appliances are:

Easy to clean

Simple to care for

Comfortable to wear

Easy to travel with

Affordable to obtain

Is a dental appliance right for me?

Patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea will find that obtaining a dental appliance for treatment of their condition is simple. Patients will often get their diagnosis from their primary care physician, who may have patients undergo a sleep study to ensure that they have the disorder and will benefit from treatment. Patients can then use their diagnostic paperwork to speak to our dentist, Dr. Matthew Church, about the possibility of using oral appliance therapy as an alternative. These appliances are in high demand as they are simpler to use than the cumbersome CPAP device.

Is a dental appliance right for my condition?

In most cases, patients with obstructive sleep apnea can ditch the CPAP machine and trade it for a comfortable, smeller dental appliance that can provide the same results. We encourage patients in and around the area of Indianapolis, IN to learn about the benefits of placing dental appliances in the mouth to treat these conditions. Call Dr. Matthew Church and the team at Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN to discuss your options at (317) 333-6788 . Book an appointment today by connecting with our front office staff.